All-Natural Menthol-Eucalyptus Rub

As a quick cure for congestion, you can easily make your own all-natural menthol rub using a non-petroleum based jelly. Because this mixture does not contain camphor, which can be dangerous for home use, it is somewhat milder than store-bought rubs.

Essential oils can be expensive investments themselves, but a small amount goes a long way. Camden-Grey Essential Oils is an inexpensive mail-order source of high-quality oils. Ingredients you'll need: un-petroleum jelly, peppermint essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, ointment jar, at least 1-ounce.

Sterilize ointment jar in the dishwasher or a pot of boiling water.

After the jar cools, add 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of non-petroleum jelly to the jar. Non-petroleum (or un-petroleum) jelly is readily available at organic or health food stores and is usually made from a base of moisturizing shea butter or coconut oil.

Add 12 drops each of peppermint and eucalyptus oils to the non-petroleum jelly. Stir well. Since essential oils are highly concentrated, they should not contact the skin undiluted. If accidental contact occurs, flush the area with lukewarm water and treat with any vegetable oil.

This is a 4% solution appropriate for chest rubs. For use in very small amounts as an ointment, the concentration can be increased to as much as 8% by adding 24 drops of each oil to 1 ounce of non-petroleum jelly.

This mixture should not be used on children under two. For children over two and the elderly, divide the concentration in half. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid peppermint and instead use a mixture containing only eucalyptus, with only 12 drops per ounce of jelly.